Choosing the Right UPVC Door Handle Replacement
Replacing your door handles made of upvc is an easy task but selecting the correct handle can be a challenge. The majority of modern double-glazed handles have spring cassettes built into them, however older models don't have.
If the upvc handle of your multipoint lock is sloppy and floppy, it could be an internal problem. Read the Full Write-up will discuss the various possible issues and their causes.
Handles that slide or droop
uPVC handles can sustain wear and tear, particularly in older properties. A broken spring cassette inside the door lever is the most common reason for a floppy handle. This is typically caused by an excessive force and the square spindle that supports the cassette could be moved or rounded off.
The good news is that replacing the door handle made of uPVC is a relatively simple job and can be done in just a few minutes. The first step is to take off the old handle unit by removing the fixing screws visible on the side of the lever plate. Once the handles are removed you can then remove the cassette from the square spindle and replace with the new one.
You can find a vast selection of uPVC door handles to select from online and many of them come in different finishes. The finish you choose will determine the durability of your handle as well as how easy it will be to clean. Finishes like Resista Stainless Steel, or PVD are designed to resist corrosion and last up to 25 years.
Once you've selected a colour or style you can choose the type of handle you need. The most popular types are pad and lever arrangement. Lever pads feature a lever on the inside and an outside paddle, this is often used as a security device to prevent unauthorised access.
The next step is to measure the dimensions of your current handle and write them down. You'll need the PZ dimension (the distance from the screw hole to the center of the lever), the length of the handle, and the dimensions of the keyhole. Once you have these measurements, you can then compare them to the handle size matrix to determine the appropriate replacement.
Broken springs
Over time, uPVC handles may become wobbly or loose. The spring cassette could also break. These springs are used to align the handle lever in a horizontal position. Without them, your doors will not lock properly.
Modern uPVC handles are made with these cassettes directly built into the backplate. However, older uPVC doors typically contain these springs within the actual lock mechanism. This isn't something you can be fixed on your own, but it's worth contacting your locksmith to look as this could be the reason for the drooping or sagging uPVC door handles.
The most common problem associated with uPVC handles is that they become loose as time passes. This is usually caused by worn-out springs, which are easy to repair. The majority of the time it is due to excessive use of the handle and because of that, the square spindle within the handle will wear away and the springs will be displaced.
To fix this you will need to open the door and remove the fixing screws located at the back of the handle plate. This can be done with a Philips screwdriver. Once the screws have been removed the handle can be taken off. The handle plates can then be carefully taken apart. Then, you can remove the old springs and replace them with new ones.
Depending on the kind of handle you have the distance between the two fixing screws can differ, and this is crucial to know prior to buying a replacement. This measurement is called the PZ and it is essential to make use of a calibrated measuring tape in order to get an accurate reading.
After replacing the springs you should be able to operate the handle with no issues. However, it's always worth lubricating the internal mechanism to make sure that everything is working exactly as it should. This will not just ensure that your uPVC doors are as secure as they can be but will also make them more comfortable to use over time too.
Handles that slide around
Handles that slide around can be caused by a number different reasons. One of the most common causes is when the levers of the handle aren't aligned properly with the lock. This is a problem that can occur with both uPVC and composite doors, but is typically more evident on older doors because they are typically made of cheap materials that aren't able to resist the elements.
A professional can solve this issue by re-aligning the handles to ensure they are aligned with the lock. They'll also inspect the lock to determine what needs to be fixed. In many cases, a simple adjustment to the handle springs is enough to fix this issue.
The replacement of your uPVC door handle is easy enough, but you need to measure the existing handles to make sure you have the proper size replacement. You'll need to determine the distance between the two fixing screws, and the dimensions of the lever and key-hole position. Then, you can utilize this uPVC handles size guide to find a replacement for your home.
Once you have the measurements then the next step is to take off the current uPVC handles. It is usually a simple procedure and requires only a screwdriver. Once the screws have been removed, you can then remove the handle and then install the new one.
It is important to secure the door using an appropriate wedge prior to beginning. This will prevent it from closing during the course of your work. After you have removed the handle, you can now get to the inside of the door to correct the issues that are causing it to sag.
If you don't have the patience or nerves to tackle this job yourself, an expert handyman from Fantastic Services can help. They will employ special locks to unlock the doors without causing damage. Then, they'll replace the broken handle and make sure that everything is working exactly as it should.
Gearbox damaged
A damaged gearbox may cause the upvc door handle to become stiff or lose function. This could also stop the lock from being able be opened using keys. This is a risk and should be addressed as soon as is possible. If you are unable to solve the issue on your own it is essential to call a locksmith since they have the expertise and tools necessary to get the job done properly.
The first step is to remove the handle from the cover plate. This can be done using a screwdriver equipped with a flat head. After you have removed the handle, remove the middle screw that holds the cylinder. After you have removed the middle screw you will be able to loosen the two screws which hold the barrel. You can then remove the barrel away from the door. You will have to open the door to accomplish this, so be sure you have someone on hand to assist.
After taking the cylinder off, you can replace with a new cylinder. It is crucial to make sure that the new cylinder is the exact size as the previous one. Otherwise, you may end with a handle that isn't aligned correctly. This can lead to numerous issues that could cause leaks and drafts.
Most door handles made of upvc feature slots that allow for adjustment. These slots can be used to tighten or loosen the handle. These slots are usually found on the inside of the doors, near the spot where the handle connects with the cylinder. Allen wrenches can be used to tighten the adjustment slots. After you have made the adjustments, you can put the handle back on and screw it into. You can then test the handle and make sure it is working as expected.
If the door handle made of upvc becomes loose or floppy when it is closed, this is usually a sign that the upvc gearbox has failed or the internal spring components are in the process of breaking down. This could cause your multipoint locks made from upvc to fail and leave your door open to intrusion. If this happens, it will be required to replace the upvc gearbox. The cost will range from PS145 between PS145 and PS280, including labour.